oldirish33
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"All Jaguars run on Guinness!"
Posts: 3,333
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Post by oldirish33 on Mar 10, 2023 11:58:54 GMT -5
Whose a lucky boy then? Very nice indeed Jerry. Did you find these on GPM web site in the rarities section. I seem to recall a few MG models going for sale when I looked some weeks back. Lucky and feeling very fortunate. Yes, I scour that section of the GPM website often hoping to find some treasure I can add to my collection. They have some Solido Fiat Abarth 131 conversions which appear to be well done, I'm surprised that they have been around as long. As well, some nice Lancia Delta rally cars in Martini livery too. If I was more into rally cars, I would be tempted. Congratulations Jerry. I once pre-ordered an MG Model's Ferrari 512 from a European eBay seller, but when there was no sign of the model after six months I ended up cancelling my order and haven't been tempted since. It's a pity their models are not that easy to come by. MG Models have become some of my favorite Ferrari models. A shame about poor sellers, but thankful eBay has a strong refund/return policy. My largest complaint is sellers who don't adequately pack models. I've had a couple of nice models ruined recently because the models weren't well packed and secured, despite my instructions to the seller. Thankfully, I wasn't out any money in the end. |
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oldirish33
Member
"All Jaguars run on Guinness!"
Posts: 3,333
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Post by oldirish33 on Mar 10, 2023 12:13:29 GMT -5
French Blanc – Two cars from two iconic makers, both prototypes. One would help set the trajectory of its maker and influence production for a decade, the other, not enough to save its maker from the economic ravages of WWII. Neither car is a new release, instead new to my collection by way of retailer sales at the end of the year on models that fit my collecting interests. 1955 Ferrari 250 Europa GT Berlinetta S2 TdF Speciale - KESSThe Europa was Ferrari’s first true production car. This car (Ch. #0393GT) was purchased by Parisian Andre Dubonnet an amateur race driver and maker of Dubonnet aperitifs. It was delivered to Pinin Farina for a special body on a tubular 2600 MM chassis. The car made its debut at the 1955 Paris Motor Show. The unique body style is a forerunner of what would become the Tour de France (TdF) model. He owned the car until 1963 when it was sold and has had a series of owners and a full restoration that took 10 years!  With its short rear fins, unique grille and headlight treatment, Pinin Farina had created a stunning design profile that would largely transcend to the longer wheelbase Powered by a 3.0L Colombo V12 engine, it produced 230 hp. While Dubonnet was a race car driver, there is no record of him having driven this car in competition. However, he did enter the car at Le Mans in 1956 with Maurice Trintignant co-driving. Unfortunately, Dubonnet broke his foot a couple weeks before the race and the entry was withdrawn.  The car seen here with the 250 GT LWB and 250 GT TdF its design would inspire later in the decade.  1952 Bugatti T101 Leopix - Avenue 43A development of the Type 57 after WWII, the Type 101 was the last passenger car built by Bugatti. A total of six production cars and one prototype were built by four body makers (Gangloff, Guillore, Antem and Virgil Exner / Ghia), but the car was not enough to restored the company to its pre-war glory and save the company from receivership.  The prototype of the T 101 had a body that had been designed by the French industrial designer Louis Lucien Lepoix. He designed a four-door notchback sedan with fenders that flowed smoothly into the door panels. The headlights had a special design feature. They were free-standing and set back in two openings on either side of the grille. The cream-colored car is now in the Schlumpf collection.  
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Post by Tom on Mar 10, 2023 12:56:59 GMT -5
Both are interesting if not actually beautiful cars IMO. The models are top notch, and it must be a nice feeling when your custom coachwork makes it to production on two models from a famous marque.
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Post by DeadCanDanceR on Mar 10, 2023 18:22:21 GMT -5
Both really unique and definitely interesting looking cars!  |
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Post by jager on Mar 10, 2023 19:46:31 GMT -5
Another couple of interesting additions Jerry. I wouldn’t see myself desiring the Bugatti, but the Ferrari is something special. Pity it never raced at LM, but I guess there are lots of stories like that.
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oldirish33
Member
"All Jaguars run on Guinness!"
Posts: 3,333
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Post by oldirish33 on Mar 30, 2023 12:10:39 GMT -5
Both are interesting if not actually beautiful cars IMO. The models are top notch, and it must be a nice feeling when your custom coachwork makes it to production on two models from a famous marque. I think the 50's when rich patrons could order a high performance chassis from a favorite marque and have a dazzling custom coachwork body added was the end of a fabulous era. Both really unique and definitely interesting looking cars! Yes indeed. Really the beginning for one marque and the end of another and as I stated above, the end of an era for all. Another couple of interesting additions Jerry. I wouldn’t see myself desiring the Bugatti, but the Ferrari is something special. Pity it never raced at LM, but I guess there are lots of stories like that. The Bugatti is important because of its place in the company history. Certainly not as pretty as one would expect from Bugatti, but its marque importance is what attracted me to the model. The Ferrari certainly helped launch a generation of exciting production and performance Ferrari's. Perhaps its better that it did not race as it survives today in mostly original condition. |
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oldirish33
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"All Jaguars run on Guinness!"
Posts: 3,333
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Post by oldirish33 on Mar 30, 2023 12:46:33 GMT -5
Thanks Alex! - A package arrived in the mail unexpectedly the other day from Alex on the forum. What a pleasant surprise when I opened it and found a great model of the McLaren M8B driven by Oscar Koveleski in the Can-Am series in 1970. Alex knew I love Can-Am cars and he had custom made a couple of these models, disassembling, repainting and using aftermarket decals to make a version of the McLaren no one has modeled. He did an outstanding job and the model takes its place among my Can-Am McLaren collection. Home run! McLaren M8B - 1970 Can-Am, Oscar Koveleski - GMP (base model)
 Notice which car is in the background photo I took at Road America! Purchased by Oscar Koveleski from McLaren for the 1970 Can-Am season, this car (Ch. #M8B/2) was the second M8B chassis and was one of the ex-works Can-Am cars from 1969. It was the car driven by Bruce McLaren to five wins and three second place finishes in his 1969 Can-Am championship run. Slightly outdated for the 1970 season, Koveleski qualified mid-field in seven rounds of the Can-Am Championship. His best finish was 4th place at Road Atlanta.  Decked out in Koveleski’s classic Auto World livery, the SCCA tried to ban the car as not being in compliance with its rules on the amount of the car that could be covered with sponsor advertising. Always a colorful character, Koveleski claimed that they weren’t advertising for his Auto World auto accessory, slot car and model business, but rather they were racing stripes. He won the argument! Koveleski raced the car with the low rear wing at the final race at Riverside in 1970. Koveleski ran the car again in 1971 with the wing, but a different livery.  A serious racer with a giant fun-loving personality, to Can-Am's loss, Koveleski had to focus more time on his business than his racing. His regular pilot for 1971 was Tony Adamowicz (Tony A2Z). Tony was able to place 3rd at Mid-Ohio and top ten finishes at Watkins Glen and Laguan Seca. Oscar sold the car at the end of the season and it was raced in the Can-Am through 1972 by Warren Agor amid the faster Porsche and McLaren competition. A great Can-Am car with a great history! To the fan’s delight, Koveleski started the colorful Polish Racing Drivers Association of America, along with racer Tony “A2Z” Adamowicz and series sponsor Johnsons Wax PR man Brad NiemcekKoveleski in 1970, whose membership criteria was to: 1) Be a racing driver and be Polish; 2) Be a racing driver and not be Polish; 3) Not be a racing driver and be Polish; 4) Not be a racing driver and not be Polish. PRDA memorabilia is highly sought after today among Can-Am collectors. Thanks Tom! - Not too long ago, Tom posted this model of the Porsche 911 Carrera RSR had had added to his collection. Being a Targa Florio car, I immediate searched and found one for my own collection. A very successful Porsche RSR chassis, a Targa Florio winner, driven by Hurbert Muller, Martini livery, all ticks for me in wanting this car. Thanks Tom for making its existence known! Porsche 911 Carerra RSR - 1973 Targa Florio Winner - AltayaThe 57th running of the Targa Florio over the Sicilian road circuit was the final running of the traditional Targa with World Championship status. The course 72 Km (45 mi.) had become too dangerous at the speeds the cars could now travel and the spectators that lined the circuit, too unruly to avoid a potential catastrophe. Martini Porsche, Alfa Romeo and Ferrari fielded factory efforts. One of three Carrera RSR prototypes entered, this car driven by Gijs van Lennep and Herbert Muller won the 492 Mi. (792 Km) race.  The Targa Florio in 1973 was hotly contested with Ferrari favored to win with their 312PB, one being driven by local favorite Nino Vaccarela. From the start, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Lancia set a fast pace. However, by the end of the third of eleven laps, the Ferraris, Alfa and Lancia were gone. Porsche inherited the lead and this car had a trouble free run, finishing six minutes ahead of the second place Lancia Stratos. It was the 11th Targa Florio victory for Porsche.  This car (Ch.# 911 360 0588 R6) is one of the early Carrera RSR prototypes. Campaigned in World Sports Car Competition in 1973, The car won the GT class at the Vallelunga 6 Hrs. in its inaugural outing. Winning its class at the Le Mans 4 Hrs., it failed to finish the 24-Hour race. The Targa Florio win was its highlight of the season, with top ten finishes at Spa and Zeltwig among its racing honors. It was then sold to Roger Penske, with Mark Donohue and George Follmer driving it at the Watkins Glen 6-Hr. where they finished 6th overall.  By itself it looks okay, but the model has a tendency to sit too high on its wheels, especially when compared to the Minichamps version next to it. The model is on the workbench to try and rectify that. Other than that, the casting, detail and finish are top notch and I'm very happy with the model.
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Post by Tom on Mar 30, 2023 13:17:23 GMT -5
You're welcome Jerry! Yours is the collection here on MS143 where this should be. Still one of my favourite recent additions. I had left mine screwed to the plinth so I didn't notice that it sits high. Probably not that hard to remedy.
Alex did a top-notch job on that McLaren, one of the most iconic CanAm racers in that livery. CanAm is another rabbit hole I'm actively trying to avoid as I'm afraid it would lead to yet another fun but voluminous subcollection. I'll admire from afar...
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Post by reeft1 on Mar 30, 2023 14:34:38 GMT -5
Two excellent additions
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Post by jager on Mar 30, 2023 22:34:39 GMT -5
The McLaren is a great gift from Alex. It looks right at home in your collection.
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Post by alex on Mar 31, 2023 0:32:19 GMT -5
You're welcome Jerry.
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Post by Alfaholic on Apr 3, 2023 8:18:52 GMT -5
Nice work all around - there are some good dudes around here.
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oldirish33
Member
"All Jaguars run on Guinness!"
Posts: 3,333
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Post by oldirish33 on Apr 4, 2023 14:30:27 GMT -5
You're welcome Jerry! Yours is the collection here on MS143 where this should be. Still one of my favourite recent additions. I had left mine screwed to the plinth so I didn't notice that it sits high. Probably not that hard to remedy. Alex did a top-notch job on that McLaren, one of the most iconic CanAm racers in that livery. CanAm is another rabbit hole I'm actively trying to avoid as I'm afraid it would lead to yet another fun but voluminous subcollection. I'll admire from afar... I reworked mine Tom to lower the front and rear wheels. It was pretty straightforward, just drilled out the slots the axles went through to be able to push the wheels down enough to close the gap between the fender and top of the wheel. Didn't even need to disassemble the wheels and axles. Makes it look much better in my eye. Yes, Alex did a excellent job on that McLaren! The McLaren is a great gift from Alex. It looks right at home in your collection. Yes and yes! Thanks again mate! Nice work all around - there are some good dudes around here. Yes indeed! |
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oldirish33
Member
"All Jaguars run on Guinness!"
Posts: 3,333
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Post by oldirish33 on Apr 8, 2023 13:53:13 GMT -5
Ulster Memories - Traditionally held over Easter weekend since 1931, the Circuit of Ireland starts and ends in Ulster. In 1984, the first stage of the rally was only a couple miles from my cousin’s place, run over part of the old Dundrod circuit. The staging area was in our small town and only a few blocks from where we were. After a late night at the pub groggy headed, I walked into town towards all the noise. Unfortunately without my camera (no cell phones then). I have to admit that I singularly remember the Rothmans liveried Porsche as it left the town center under police escort. The rest is unfortunately a blur and I don’t clearly recall the Audi Quattros (sorry Andy) and Opel Mantas and Ford Escorts which were the other major competition in Group B, let alone the support trucks and crews. A great opportunity missed! Porsche 911SC RS - Circuit of Ireland, 1984 - Arena (built kit)
The Rothmans Circuit of Ireland in 1984 was held over five days and nights, utilizing 55 stages that started and finished in Ulster after traversing the entire island north to south. Henri Toivonen and Ian Gunderson were paired in the new Rothman liveried Porsche 911SC RS. Their first drive in the car, they were favored but didn’t know what to expect against stiff competition from Audi, Opel and Ford. Leading after the first stage, Toivenen hit a bank two stages later, dropping to 15th. He was to quickly make up time and move up the order to again regain the lead of the rally by Stage 20.  The top positions of the rally were being fought out between Opel, Audi and Porsche teams. Toivenen was clearly in control, posting over a six-minute lead going into Stage 34. However, he hurt his ankle in a celebrity cart race before that stage and was seriously impacted in his ability to drive fast. Trying to hold onto the lead, gearbox trouble eliminated all but 5th gear and precipitated the Porsche decent down the order. Unable to fit a spare gearbox liberated from a passenger car in time, the Porsche team dropped out on the night stage (44) in Donegal. So close, but it gave local rally hero Billy Coleman in a Opel Manta a much celebrated win.  I have never been a keen rally enthusiast, interested, but not as familiar with the sport as I might have been if it was more prevalent in N. America. The rallying we did in the 1970’s was TSD usually on tarmac. Quite a different animal from European rallying. Due to that lack of knowledge and appreciation, on one of my trips to N. Ireland in 1984, I missed my chance to spectate a major rally, just catching a glimpse of it. My main memory is of this Porsche 911SC coming up the main road. After watching highlights on You Tube, had I known then what I do now, I would have made it to a stage or two. Nearly forty years on, I wanted a model of that Porsche as a memento of that memory and a great trip. This built Arena kit came from GPM. Happy Easter!
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Post by Tom on Apr 8, 2023 14:04:04 GMT -5
As good a reason as any. Fab model, love your diorama. You don't do things by halves, do you?
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